Modified zeolites that include zirconium-containing organometallic moieties and methods for making such

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are modified zeolites and methods for making modified zeolites. In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, a modified zeolite may include a microporous framework including a plurality of micropores having diameters of less than or equal to 2 nm. The microporous framework may include at least silicon atoms and oxygen atoms. The modified zeolite may further include organometallic moieties each bonded to a nitrogen atom of a secondary amine functional group including a nitrogen atom and a hydrogen atom. The organometallic moieties may include a zirconium atom that is bonded to the nitrogen atom of the secondary amine functional group. The nitrogen atom of the secondary amine function group may bridge the zirconium atom of the organometallic moiety and a silicon atom of the microporous framework.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to porous materials and, morespecifically, to zeolites.

BACKGROUND

Materials that include pores, such as zeolites, may be utilized in manypetrochemical industrial applications. For example, such materials maybe utilized as catalysts in a number of reactions, which converthydrocarbons or other reactants from feed chemicals to productchemicals. Zeolites may be characterized by a microporous structureframework type. Various types of zeolites have been identified over thepast several decades, where zeolite types are generally described byframework types, and where specific zeolitic materials may be morespecifically identified by various names such as ZSM-5 or Beta.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present application is directed to modified zeolites that includeorganometallic moieties. The organometallic moieties described hereinmay include zirconium. According to various embodiments, theorganometallic moieties may be grafted to amine functionalities of aprecursor zeolite, referred to sometimes herein as amine functionalizedzeolites. As such, the modified zeolites described herein may includeorganometallic moieties whereby the zirconium atom of the organometallicmoiety is bonded to a nitrogen atom that bridges the zirconium atom anda silicon atom of the microporous framework of the modified zeolite.Such modified zeolites, according to one or more embodiments presentlydisclosed, may have enhanced or differentiated catalytic functionalityas compared with conventional zeolites.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, amodified zeolite may comprise a microporous framework comprising aplurality of micropores having diameters of less than or equal to 2 nm.The microporous framework may comprise at least silicon atoms and oxygenatoms. The modified zeolite may further comprise organometallic moietieseach bonded to a nitrogen atom of a secondary amine functional groupincluding a nitrogen atom and a hydrogen atom. The organometallicmoieties may comprise a zirconium atom that is bonded to the nitrogenatom of the secondary amine functional group. The nitrogen atom of thesecondary amine function group may bridge the zirconium atom of theorganometallic moiety and a silicon atom of the microporous framework.

In accordance with one or more additional embodiments of the presentdisclosure, a modified zeolite may be made by a method comprisingreacting an organometallic chemical with an amine functionalizedzeolite. The amine functionalized zeolite may comprise a microporousframework comprising a plurality of micropores having diameters of lessthan or equal to 2 nm. The microporous framework may comprise at leastsilicon atoms and oxygen atoms. The amine functionalized zeolite maycomprise isolated terminal primary amine functionalities bonded tosilicon atoms of the microporous framework. The reacting of theorganometallic chemical with the amine functionalized zeolite may formthe modified zeolite comprising organometallic moieties each bonded to anitrogen atom of the modified zeolite. The organometallic moieties maycomprise a portion of the organometallic chemical, and theorganometallic chemical may comprise zirconium.

Additional features and advantages of the described embodiments will beset forth in the detailed description that follows, and in part will bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description orrecognized by practicing the described embodiments, including thedetailed description that follows, the claims, as well as the appendeddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of specific embodiments of thepresent disclosure can be best understood when read in conjunction withthe following drawings, where like structure is indicated with likereference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a reaction pathway to formpoly(N¹,N¹-diallyl-N¹-methyl-N⁶,N⁶,N⁶-tripropylhexane-1,6-diamoniumbromide) (PDAMAB-TMHAB), according to one or more embodiments describedin this disclosure;

FIG. 2 depicts a Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹H-NMR) spectrum ofPDAMAB-TMHAB as synthesized in Example 1, according to one or moreembodiments described in this disclosure;

FIG. 3 depicts a Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD) pattern of themesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 2, according to one or moreembodiments described in this disclosure;

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images of themesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 2, according to one or moreembodiments described in this disclosure;

FIG. 5A-5K depict Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) images of themesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 2, according to one or moreembodiments described in this disclosure;

FIG. 6 depicts Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectra of themesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 2 and the dehydroxylated ZSM-5zeolite of Example 3, according to one or more embodiments described inthis disclosure;

FIG. 7 depicts a ¹H-MAS-NMR spectrum of the dehydroxylated ZSM-5 zeoliteof Example 3 according to one or more embodiments described in thisdisclosure;

FIG. 8 depicts an Aluminum Solid State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance(²⁷Al-SS-NMR) spectrum of the dehydroxylated ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 3according to one or more embodiments described in this disclosure;

FIG. 9 depicts FT-IR spectra of the dehydroxylated ZSM-5 zeolite ofExample 3 and the amine functionalized ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 4,according to one or more embodiments described in this disclosure;

FIG. 10 depicts a Solid-State ¹H-MAS-NMR spectrum of the aminefunctionalized ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 4, according to one or moreembodiments described in this disclosure;

FIG. 11 depicts a Two Dimensional Double Quantum Solid State ProtonNuclear Magnetic Resonance (2D DQ ¹H-¹H SS NMR) spectrum of the aminefunctionalized ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 4, according to one or moreembodiments described in this disclosure;

FIG. 12 depicts an ²⁷Al-SS-NMR spectrum of the amine functionalizedZSM-5 zeolite of Example 4, according to one or more embodimentsdescribed in this disclosure;

FIG. 13 depicts PXRD patterns of the mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite of Example2 and the amine functionalized ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 4, according toone or more embodiments described in the disclosure; and

FIG. 14 depicts FT-IR spectra of the amine functionalized ZSM-5 zeoliteof Example 4 and the zirconium modified, amine functionalized ZSM-5zeolite of Example 5, according to one or more embodiments described inthe disclosure.

Reference will now be made in greater detail to various embodiments,some embodiments of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughoutthe drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to zeolites that are modified by thegrafting of organometallic moieties to the framework structure of thezeolite. As presently described, the organometallic moieties may includezirconium. As referred to herein, “modified zeolites” refer to zeolitesthat include organometallic moieties as described herein. According toone or more of the embodiments disclosed herein, the modified zeolitemay include organometallic moieties each bonded to bridging nitrogenatoms. The bridging nitrogen atom may bridge the zirconium atom of theorganometallic moiety and a silicon atom of the microporous framework ofthe modified zeolite.

According to embodiments disclosed herein, the modified zeolites may beformed by a process that includes dehydroxylating an initial zeolite,forming an amine functionalized zeolite from the dehydroxylated zeolite,and grafting organometallic chemicals to the amine functionalizedzeolite. While embodiments of modified zeolites prepared by thisprocedure are disclosed herein, embodiments of the present disclosureshould not be considered to be limited to modified zeolites made by sucha process.

As presently described, “initial” zeolites (which in some embodimentsmay be mesoporous zeolites) may be supplied or produced, as is presentlydisclosed. Initial zeolites may include mesopores or be void ofmesopores. In embodiments where a mesopores are introduced to a zeolitein “top-down” approach, the zeolite with the formed mesopores may beconsidered the initial zeolite. As described herein, thecharacterization of the structure and material of a zeolite may equallyapply to the initial zeolite as well as the dehydroxylated zeolite,amine functionalized zeolite, and/or modified zeolite. In one or moreembodiments, the structure and material composition of the initialzeolite does not substantially change through the dehydroxylation, aminefunctionalization, and/or organometallic moiety grafting steps (asidefrom the described introduction of functionalities formed by thedehydroxylation, amine functionalization, and/or organometallic moietygrafting steps). For example, the framework type and general materialconstituents of the framework may be substantially the same in theinitial zeolite and the modified zeolite aside from the addition of theorganometallic moiety. Likewise, mesoporosity of the initial zeolite maybe carried into the modified zeolite. Accordingly, when a “zeolite” isdescribed herein with respect to its structural characterization, thedescription may refer to the initial zeolite, the dehydroxylatedzeolite, the amine functionalized zeolite, and/or the modified zeolite.

As used throughout this disclosure, “zeolites” may refer tomicropore-containing inorganic materials with regular intra-crystallinecavities and channels of molecular dimension. Zeolites generallycomprise a crystalline structure, as opposed to an amorphous structuresuch as what may be observed in some porous materials such as amorphoussilica. Zeolites generally include a microporous framework which may beidentified by a framework type. The microporous structure of zeolites(e.g., 0.3 nm to 2 nm pore size) may render large surface areas anddesirable size-/shape-selectivity, which may be advantageous forcatalysis. The zeolites described may include, for example,aluminosilicates, titanosilicates, or pure silicates. In embodiments,the zeolites described may include micropores (present in themicrostructure of a zeolite), and additionally include mesopores. Asused throughout this disclosure, micropores refer to pores in astructure that have a diameter of less than or equal to 2 nm and greaterthan or equal to 0.1 nm, and mesopores refer to pores in a structurethat have a diameter of greater than 2 nm and less than or equal to 50nm. Unless otherwise described herein, the “pore size” of a materialrefers to the average pore size, but materials may additionally includemesopores having a particular size that is not identical to the averagepore size.

Generally, zeolites may be characterized by a framework type whichdefines their microporous structure. The zeolites described presently,in one or more embodiments, are not particularly limited by frameworktype. Framework types are described in, for example, “Atlas of ZeoliteFramework Types” by Ch. Baerlocher et al, Fifth Revised Edition, 2001,which is incorporated by reference herein.

According to one or more embodiments, the zeolites described herein mayinclude at least silicon atoms and oxygen atoms. In some embodiments,the microporous framework may include substantially only silicon andoxygen atoms (e.g., silica material). However, in additionalembodiments, the zeolites may include other atoms, such as aluminum.Such zeolites may be aluminosilicate zeolites. In additionalembodiments, the microporous framework may include titanium atoms, andsuch zeolites may be titanosilicate zeolites.

In one or more embodiments, the zeolite may comprise an aluminosilicatemicrostructure. The zeolite may comprise at least 99 wt. % of thecombination of silicon atoms, oxygen atoms, and aluminum atoms. Themolar ratio of Si/Al may be from 2 to 100, such as from 2-25, from25-50, from 50-75, from 75-100, or any combination of these ranges.

In embodiments, the zeolites may comprise microstructures (which includemicropores) characterized by, among others as *BEA framework typezeolites (such as, but not limited to, zeolite Beta), FAU framework typezeolites (such as, but not limited to, zeolite Y), MOR framework typezeolites, or MFI framework type zeolite (such as, but not limited to,ZSM-5). It should be understood that *BEA, MFI, MOR, and FAU refer tozeolite framework types as identified by their respective three lettercodes established by the International Zeolite Association (IZA). Otherframework types are contemplated in the presently disclosed embodiments.

In one or more embodiments, the zeolite may be an MFI framework typezeolite, such as a ZSM-5. “ZSM-5” generally refers to zeolites having anMFI framework type according to the IZA zeolite nomenclature andconsisting majorly of silica and alumina, as is understood by thoseskilled in the art. ZSM-5 refers to “Zeolite Socony Mobil-5” and is apentasil family zeolite that can be represented by the chemical formulaNa_(n)Al_(n)Si_(96-n)O₁₉₂·H₂O where 0<n<27. According to one or moreembodiments, the molar ratio of silica to alumina in the ZSM-5 may be atleast 5. For example, the molar ratio of silica to alumina in the ZSM-5zeolite may be at least 10, at least 12, or even at least 30, such asfrom 5 to 30, from 12 to 30, from 5 to 80, from 5 to 300, from 5 to1000, or even from 5 to 1500. Examples of suitable ZSM-5 zeolite includethose commercially available from Zeolyst International, such asCBV2314, CBV3024E, CBV5524G, and CBV28014, and from TOSOH Corporation,such as HSZ-890 and HSZ-891.

In one or more embodiments, the zeolite may comprise an FAU frameworktype zeolite, such as zeolite Y or ultra-stable zeolite Y (USY). As usedherein, “zeolite Y” and “USY” refer to a zeolite having a FAU frameworktype according to the IZA zeolite nomenclature and consisting majorly ofsilica and alumina, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. Inone or more embodiments, USY may be prepared from zeolite Y by steamingzeolite Y at temperatures above 500° C. The molar ratio of silica toalumina may be at least 3. For example, the molar ratio of silica toalumina in the zeolite Y may be at least 5, at least 12, at least 30, oreven at least 200, such as from 5 to 200, from 12 to 200, or from about15 to about 200. The unit cell size of the zeolite Y may be from about24 Angstrom to about 25 Angstrom, such as 24.56 Angstrom.

In one or more embodiments, the zeolite may comprise a *BEA frameworktype zeolite, such as zeolite Beta. As used in this disclosure, “zeoliteBeta” refers to zeolite having a *BEA framework type according to theIZA zeolite nomenclature and consisting majorly of silica and alumina,as would be understood by one skilled in the art. The molar ratio ofsilica to alumina in the zeolite Beta may be at least 10, at least 25,or even at least 100. For example, the molar ratio of silica to aluminain the zeolite Beta may be from 5 to 500, such as from 25 to 300.

Along with micropores, which may generally define the framework type ofthe zeolite, the zeolites may also comprise mesopores. As used herein a“mesoporous zeolite” refers to a zeolite which includes mesopores, andmay have an average pore size of from 2 to 50 nm. The presentlydisclosed mesoporous zeolites may have an average pore size of greaterthan 2 nm, such as from 4 nm to 16 nm, from 6 nm to 14 nm, from 8 nm to12 nm, or from 9 nm to 11 nm. In some embodiments, the majority of themesopores may be greater than 8 nm, greater than 9 nm, or even greaterthan 10 nm. The mesopores of the mesoporous zeolites described may rangefrom 2 nm to 40 nm, and the median pore size may be from 8 to 12 nm. Inembodiments, the mesopore structure of the zeolites may be fibrous,where the mesopores are channel-like. As described herein, “fibrouszeolites” may comprise reticulate fibers with interconnections and havea dense inner core surrounded by less dense outer fibers. Generally,fibrous zeolites may comprise intercrystalline voids in between thefibers where the voids between the less dense, outer fibers are mesoporesized and give the fibrous zeolite its mesoporosity. The mesoporouszeolites described may be generally silica-containing materials, such asaluminosilicates, pure silicates, or titanosilicates. It should beunderstood that while mesoporous zeolites are referenced in one or moreportions of the present disclosure, some zeolites may not be mesoporous.For example, some embodiments may utilize zeolites which have an averagepore size of less than 2 nm, or may not have mesopores in any capacity.

The mesoporous zeolites described in the present disclosure may haveenhanced catalytic activity as compared to non-mesoporous zeolites.Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the microporousstructures provide for the majority of the catalytic functionality ofthe mesoporous zeolites described. The mesoporosity may additionallyallow for greater catalytic functionality because more micropores areavailable for contact with the reactant in a catalytic reaction. Themesopores generally allow for better access to microporous catalyticsites on the mesoporous zeolite, especially when reactant molecules arerelatively large. For example, larger molecules may be able to diffuseinto the mesopores to contact additional catalytic microporous sites.

Additionally, mesoporosity may allow for additional grafting sites onthe zeolite where organometallic moieties may be bound. As is describedherein, organometallic chemicals may be grafted to the microstructure ofthe zeolite. Mesoporosity may allow for additional grafting sites,allowing for greater amounts of organometallic functionalities ascompared with non-mesoporous zeolites.

In embodiments, the mesoporous zeolites may have a surface area ofgreater than or equal to 300 m²/g, greater than or equal to 350 m²/g,greater than or equal to 400 m²/g, greater than or equal to 450 m²/g,greater than or equal to 500 m²/g, greater than or equal to 550 m²/g,greater than or equal to 600 m²/g, greater than or equal to 650 m²/g, oreven greater than or equal to 700 m²/g, and less than or equal to 1,000m²/g. In one or more other embodiments, the mesoporous zeolites may havepore volume of greater than or equal to 0.2 cm³/g, greater than or equalto 0.25 cm³/g, greater than or equal to 0.3 cm³/g, greater than or equalto 0.35 cm³/g, greater than or equal to 0.4 cm³/g, greater than or equalto 0.45 cm³/g, greater than or equal to 0.5 cm³/g, greater than or equalto 0.55 cm³/g, greater than or equal to 0.6 cm³/g, greater than or equalto 0.65 cm³/g, or even greater than or equal to 0.7 cm³/g, and less thanor equal to 1.5 cm³/g. In further embodiments, the portion of thesurface area contributed by mesopores may be greater than or equal to20%, greater than or equal to 25%, greater than or equal to 30%, greaterthan or equal to 35%, greater than or equal to 40%, greater than orequal to 45%, greater than or equal to 50%, greater than or equal to55%, greater than or equal to 60%, or even greater than or equal to 65%,such as between 20% and 70% of total surface area. In additionalembodiments, the portion of the pore volume contributed by mesopores maybe greater than or equal to 20%, greater than or equal to 30%, greaterthan or equal to 35%, greater than or equal to 40%, greater than orequal to 45%, greater than or equal to 50%, greater than or equal to55%, greater than or equal to 60%, greater than or equal to 65%, greaterthan or equal to 70%, or even greater than or equal to 75%, such asbetween 20% and 80% of total pore volume. Surface area, average poresize, and pore volume distribution may be measured by N₂ adsorptionisotherms performed at 77 Kelvin (K) (such as with a Micrometrics ASAP2020 system). As would be understood by those skilled in the artBrunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis methods may be utilized.

The mesoporous zeolites described may form as particles that may begenerally spherical in shape or irregular globular shaped (that is,non-spherical). In embodiments, the particles have a “particle size”measured as the greatest distance between two points located on a singlezeolite particle. For example, the particle size of a spherical particlewould be its diameter. In other shapes, the particle size is measured asthe distance between the two most distant points of the same particlewhen viewed in a microscope, where these points may lie on outersurfaces of the particle. The particles may have a particle size from 25nm to 900 nm, from 25 nm to 800 nm, from 25 nm to 700 nm, from 25 nm to600 nm, from 25 nm to 500 nm, from 50 nm to 400 nm, from 100 nm to 300nm, or less than 900 nm, less than 800 nm, less than 700 nm, less than600 nm, less than 500 nm, less than 400 nm, less than 300 nm, or lessthan 250 nm. Particle sizes may be determined by visual examinationunder a microscope.

The mesoporous zeolites described may be formed in a single-crystalstructure, or if not single crystal, may consist of a limited number ofcrystals, such as 2, 3, 4, or 5. The crystalline structure of themesoporous zeolites may have a branched, fibrous structure with highlyinterconnected intra-crystalline mesopores. Such structures may beadvantageous in applications where the structural integrity of thezeolite is important while the ordering of the mesopores is not.

According to one or more embodiments, the mesoporous zeolites describedin the present disclosure may be produced by utilizing cationicpolymers, as is subsequently described in the present disclosure, asstructure-directing agents. The cationic polymers may function asdual-function templates for synthesizing the mesoporous zeolites,meaning that they act simultaneously as a template for the fabricationof the micropores and as a template for the fabrication of themesopores.

According to various embodiments, the mesoporous zeolites described inthe present disclosure may be produced by forming a mixture comprisingthe cationic polymer structure-directing agent (SDA), such asPDAMAB-TPHAB, and one or more precursor materials which will form thestructure of the mesoporous zeolites. The precursor materials maycontain the materials that form the porous structures, such as aluminaand silica for an aluminosilicate zeolite, titania and silica for atitanosilicate zeolite, and silica for a pure silica zeolite. Forexample, the precursor materials may be one or more of asilicon-containing material, a titanium-containing material, and analuminum-containing material. For example, at least NaAlO₂, tetra ethylorthosilicate (TEOS), and the cationic polymer may be mixed in anaqueous solution to form an intermediate material that will become amesoporous aluminosilicate zeolite. It should be appreciated that otherprecursor materials that include silica, titania, or alumina may beutilized. For example, in other embodiments, tetra ethyl orthosilicateand cationic polymers may be combined to form an intermediate materialthat will become a silicate mesoporous zeolite; or tetra ethylorthosilicate, tetrabutylorthotitanate, and cationic polymer may becombined to form an intermediate material that will become atitanosilicate mesoporous zeolite. Optionally, the combined mixture maybe heated to form the intermediate material, and may crystallize underautoclave conditions. The intermediate material may comprise micropores,and the cationic polymer may act as a structure-directing agent in theformation of the micropores during crystallization. The intermediatematerials may still contain the cationic polymers which may at leastpartially define the space of the mesopores following their removal. Theproducts may be centrifuged, washed, and dried, and finally, the polymermay be removed by a calcination step. The calcination step may compriseheating at temperatures of at least about 400° C., 500° C., 550° C., oreven greater. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that theremoval of the polymers forms at least a portion of the mesopores of themesoporous zeolite, where the mesopores are present in the space onceinhabited by the polymers.

The precursor materials of the mixture, or reagents of the sol-gel,generally determine the material composition of the mesoporous zeolites,such as an aluminosilicate, a titanosilicate, or a pure silicate. Analuminosilicate mesoporous zeolite may comprise a molar ratio of Si/Alof greater than or equal to 2 and less than 10,000, greater than orequal to 25 and less than 10,000, greater than or equal to 50 and lessthan 10,000, greater than or equal to 100 and less than 10,000, greaterthan or equal to 200 and less than 10,000, greater than or equal to 500and less than 10,000, greater than or equal to 1,000 and less than10,000, or even greater than or equal to 2,000 and less than 10,000. Ina pure silicate zeolite, a negligible amount or no amount of aluminum ispresent in the framework of the zeolite, and the Si/Al molar ratiotheoretically approaches infinity. As used herein a “pure silicate”refers to a material comprising at least about 99.9 weight percent (wt.%) of silicon and oxygen atoms in the framework of the zeolite. Othermaterials, including water and sodium hydroxide, may be utilized duringthe formation of the material but are not present in the framework ofthe zeolite. A pure silica mesoporous zeolite may be formed by utilizingonly silicon-containing materials to form the framework of the zeoliteand no aluminum. A titanosilicate porous structure may comprise a molarratio of Si/Ti of greater than or equal to 30 and less than 10,000,greater than or equal to 40 and less than 10,000, greater than or equalto 50 and less than 10,000, greater than or equal to 100 and less than10,000, greater than or equal to 200 and less than 10,000, greater thanor equal to 500 and less than 10,000, greater than or equal to 1,000 andless than 10,000, or even greater than or equal to 2,000 and less than10,000. It has been found that PDAMAB-TPHAB cationic polymer, describedherein, may be utilized to form mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolites when used withsilica and alumina precursor materials, mesoporous TS-1 zeolites whenused with a silica and titania precursor, and mesoporous silicalite-Izeolites when used with silica precursors. It has also been found thatPDAMAB-TMHAB may be utilized to form mesoporous Beta zeolites when usedwith silica and alumina precursors.

The cationic polymers presently disclosed may comprise one or moremonomers which each comprise multiple cationic functional groups, suchas quaternary ammonium cations or quaternary phosphonium cations. Thecation functional groups of the monomers may be connected by ahydrocarbon chain. Without being bound by theory, it is believed thatthe cationic functional groups may form or at least partially aid informing the microstructure of the mesoporous zeolite (for example, anMFI framework type or BEA framework type) and the hydrocarbon chains andother hydrocarbon functional groups of the polymer may form or at leastpartially aid in forming the mesopores of the mesoporous zeolite.

The cationic polymers may comprise functional groups which are utilizedas SDAs for the fabrication of the zeolite microstructure. Suchfunctional groups, which are believed to form the zeolitemicrostructure, include quaternary ammonium cations and quaternaryphosphonium cations. Quaternary ammonium is generally depicted inChemical Structure #1 and quaternary phosphonium is generally depictedin Chemical Structure #2.

As used throughout this disclosure, the encircled plus symbols (“+”)show cationic positively charged centers. R groups (including R1, R2,R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, and R13) represent chemicalconstituents. One or more of the various R groups may be structurallyidentical or may be structurally different from one another.

In Chemical Structure #1 and Chemical Structure #2, R1, R2, R3, and R4may include hydrogen atoms or hydrocarbons, such as a hydrocarbon chain,optionally comprising one or more heteroatoms. As used throughout thisdisclosure, a “hydrocarbon” refers to a chemical or chemical moietycomprising hydrogen and carbon. For example, the hydrocarbon chain maybe branched or unbranched, and may comprise an alkane hydrocarbon chain,an alkene hydrocarbon chain, or an alkyne hydrocarbon chain, includingcyclic or aromatic moieties. In some embodiments, one or more of R1, R2,R3, or R4 may represent hydrogen atoms. As used throughout thisdisclosure, a heteroatom is a non-carbon and non-hydrogen atom. Inembodiments, quaternary ammonium and quaternary phosphonium may bepresent in a cyclic moiety, such as a five-atom ring, a six-atom ring,or a ring comprising a different number of atoms. For example, inChemical Structure #1 and Chemical Structure #2, the R1 and R2constituents may be part of the same cyclic moiety.

In one or more embodiments, the two cation moieties may form ionic bondswith anions. Various anionic chemical species are contemplated,including Cl⁻, Br⁻, F⁻, I⁻, OH⁻, ½SO₄ ²⁻, ⅓PO₄ ³⁻, ½S²⁻, AlO₂ ⁻, BF₄ ⁻,SbF₆ ⁻, and BArF⁻. In some embodiments, an anion with a negative chargeof more than 1-, such as 2-, 3-, or 4-, may be utilized, and in thoseembodiments, a single anion may pair with multiple cations of thecationic polymer. As used throughout this disclosure, a fraction listedbefore an anionic composition means that the anion is paired with morethan one cation and may, for example, be paired with the number ofcations equal to its negative charge.

In one or more embodiments, two cations of a monomer may be separatedfrom one another by a hydrocarbon chain. The hydrocarbon chain may bebranched or unbranched, and may comprise an alkane hydrocarbon chain, analkene hydrocarbon chain, or an alkyne hydrocarbon chain, includingcyclic or aromatic moieties. In one embodiment, the length of thehydrocarbon chain (measured as the number of carbons in the chaindirectly connecting the two cations) may be from 1 to 10,000 carbonatoms, such 1 to 20 carbon atom alkane chains.

The cationic polymers described in this disclosure are generallynon-surfactants. A surfactant refers to a compound that lowers thesurface tension (or interfacial tension) between two liquids or betweena liquid and a solid, usually by the inclusion of a hydrophilic head anda hydrophobic tail. Non-surfactants do not contain such hydrophobic andhydrophilic regions, and do not form micelles in a mixture containing apolar material and non-polar material. Without being bound by theory, itis believed that the polymers described are non-surfactants because ofthe inclusion of two or more cation moieties which are joined by ahydrocarbon chain. Such an arrangement has polar charges on or near eachend of the monomer, and such an arrangement excludes the hydrophobicsegment from the polymer, and thus the surfactant behavior(self-assembly in solution). On the atomic scale, it is believed thatthe functional groups (for example, quaternary ammoniums) on the polymerdirect the formation of zeolite structure; on the mesoscale, the polymerfunctions simply as a “porogen” rather than a structure directing agentin the conventional sense. As opposed to the cases of surfactants,non-surfactant polymers do not self-assemble to form an orderedmesostructure, which in turn favors the crystallization of zeolites,producing a new class of hierarchical zeolites that featurethree-dimensionally (3-D) continuous zeolitic frameworks with highlyinterconnected intracrystalline mesopores.

In one embodiment, the cationic polymer may comprise the generalizedstructure depicted in Chemical Structure #3:

Chemical Structure #3 depicts a single monomer of the cationic polymer,which is signified by the included bracket, where n is the total numberof repeating monomers in the polymer. In some embodiments, the cationicpolymer may be a copolymer comprising two or more monomer structures.The X⁻ and Y⁻ of Chemical Structure #3 represent anions. It should beunderstood that one or more monomers (such as that shown in ChemicalStructure #3) of the cationic polymers described in the presentapplication may be different from one another. For example, variousmonomer units may include different R groups. Referring the ChemicalStructure #3, A may represent nitrogen or phosphorus and B may representnitrogen or phosphorus, R5 may be a branched or unbranched hydrocarbonchain having a carbon chain length of from 1 to 10,000 carbon atoms,such as a 2 to 20 carbon alkane, X⁻ may be an anion and Y⁻ may be ananion, and R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, and R13 may be hydrogen atomsor hydrocarbons optionally comprising one or more heteroatoms.

Referring to Chemical Structure #3, in one or more embodiments, A mayrepresent nitrogen or phosphorus and B may represent nitrogen orphosphorus. In one embodiment, A and B may be nitrogen, and in anotherembodiment, A and B may be phosphorus. For example, A of ChemicalStructure #3 may comprise a quaternary ammonium cation or a quaternaryphosphonium cation. As shown in Chemical Structure #3, A may be aportion of a ring structure, such as a five-sided ring. In one or moreembodiments, X⁻ and Y⁻ are anions. For example, X⁻ may be chosen fromCl⁻, Br⁻, F⁻, I⁻, OH⁻, ½SO₄ ²⁻, ⅓PO₄ ³⁻, ½S²⁻, AlO₂ ⁻, BF₄ ⁻, SbF₆ ⁻,and BArF⁻, and Y⁻ may be chosen from Cl⁻, Br⁻, F⁻, I⁻, OH⁻, ½SO₄ ²⁻,⅓PO₄ ³⁻, ½S²⁻, AlO₂ ⁻, BF₄ ⁻, SbF₆ ⁻, and BArF⁻. In embodiments, ananion with a negative charge of more than 1-, such as 2-, 3-, or 4-, maybe present, and in those embodiments, a single anion may pair withmultiple cations of the cationic polymer.

Still referring to Chemical Structure #3, R5 represents a branched orunbranched hydrocarbon chain. The hydrocarbon chain may be branched orunbranched, and may comprise an alkane hydrocarbon chain, an alkenehydrocarbon chain, or an alkyne hydrocarbon chain. The length of thehydrocarbon chain (measured as the number of carbons in the chaindirectly connecting A to B) may be from 1 to 10,000 carbon atoms (suchas from 1 to 1,000 carbon atoms, from 1 to 500 carbon atoms, from 1 to250 carbon atoms, from 1 to 100 carbon atoms, from 1 to 50 carbon atoms,from 1 to 25 carbon atoms, from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, from 1 to 15carbon atoms, from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, from 2 to 10,000 carbon atoms,from 3 to 10,000 carbon atoms, from 4 to 10,000 carbon atoms, from 5 to10,000 carbon atoms, from 6 to 10,000 carbon atoms, from 8 to 10,000carbon atoms, from 10 to 10,000 carbon atoms, from 15 to 10,000 carbonatoms, from 20 to 10,000 carbon atoms, from 25 to 10,000 carbon atoms,from 50 to 10,000 carbon atoms, from 100 to 10,000 carbon atoms, from250 to 10,000 carbon atoms, from 500 to 10,000 carbon atoms, from 2 to100 carbon atoms, from 3 to 30 carbon atoms, from 4 to 15 carbon atoms,or from 5 to 10 carbon atoms, such as 6 carbon atoms. R5 may compriseone or more heteroatoms, but some embodiments of R5 include only carbonand hydrogen.

In Chemical Structure #3, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, and R13 may behydrogen atoms or hydrocarbons optionally comprising one or moreheteroatoms, respectively.

For example, some of R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, and R13 may bestructurally identical with one another and some of R6, R7, R8, R9, R10,R11, R12, and R13 may be structurally different from one another. Forexample, one or more of R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, and R13 may behydrogen, or alkyl groups, such as methyl groups, ethyl groups, propylgroups, butyl groups, or pentyl groups. In embodiments, one or more ofR6, R7, R8, and R9 may be hydrogen. In embodiments, one or more of R10,R11, R12, and R13 may be an alkyl groups. For example, R10 may be amethyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl group, and one or more of R11, R12, andR13 may be methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl groups. In one embodiment,R10 is a methyl group and R11, R12, and R13 are propyl groups. In oneembodiment, R11, R12, and R13 are methyl groups. In another embodiment,R11, R12, and R13 are ethyl groups. In another embodiment, R11, R12, andR13 are propyl groups.

In one or more embodiment, Chemical Structure #3 may be a polymer thatcomprises n monomer units, where n may be from 10 to 10,000,000 (such asfrom 50 to 10,000,000, from 100 to 10,000,000, from 250 to 10,000,000,from 500 to 10,000,000, from 1,000 to 10,000,000, from 5,000 to10,000,000, from 10,000 to 10,000,000, from 100,000 to 10,000,000, from1,000,000 to 10,000,000, from 10 to 1,000,000, from 10 to 100,000, from10 to 10,000, from 10 to 5,000, from 10 to 1,000, from 10 to 500, from10 to 250, or from 10 to 100. For example, n may be from 1,000 to1,000,000.

According to one or more embodiments, the cationic polymer comprisespoly(N¹,N¹-diallyl-N¹-alkyl-N⁶,N⁶,N⁶-trialkylalkane-1,6-diamoniumhalide), such aspoly(N¹,N¹-diallyl-N¹-methyl-N⁶,N⁶,N⁶-trialkylhexane-1,6-diamoniumbromide). An example of such ispoly(N¹,N¹-diallyl-N¹-methyl-N⁶,N⁶,N⁶-tripropylhexane-1,6-diamoniumbromide), referred to as (PDAMAB-TPHAB) and shown in Chemical Structure#4.

In another embodiment, the cationic polymer comprisespoly(N¹,N¹-diallyl-N¹-methyl-N⁶,N⁶,N⁶-triethylhexane-1,6-diamoniumbromide), referred to as (PDAMAB-TEHAB) and shown in Chemical Structure#5.

In another embodiment, the cationic polymer comprisespoly(N¹,N¹-diallyl-N¹-methyl-N⁶,N⁶,N⁶-trimethylhexane-1,6-diamoniumbromide), referred to as (PDAMAB-TMHAB) and shown in Chemical Structure#6.

The cationic polymers described in the present disclosure, includingthat of Chemical Structure #3, may be synthesized by a reaction pathwaysuch as that shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, FIG. 1 depicts a reactionpathway for the synthesis of PDAMAB-TPHAB. However, it should beunderstood that other reaction pathways may be utilized for thesynthesis of PDAMAB-TPHAB or other generalized polymers such as thepolymer of Chemical Structure #3. Furthermore, it should be understoodthat the reaction scheme depicted in FIG. 1 may be adapted to formpolymers which have a different structure than PDAMAB-TPHAB, such assome polymers included in the generalized Chemical Structure #3 (forexample, PDAMAB-TEHAB or PDAMAB-TEHAB). For example, the hydrocarbonchain length between the cation groups A and B of Chemical Structure #3may be changed by utilizing a different reactant in the scheme of FIG.1.

Referring to FIG. 1, the cationic polymer of Chemical Structure #3 maybe formed by a process comprising forming a diallyl methyl ammoniumhydrochloride cation with a chloride anion from diallylamine,polymerizing the diallyl methyl ammonium hydrochloride to form apoly(diallyl methyl ammonium hydrochloride) (PDMAH), forming apoly(diallyl methyl amine) (PDMA) from the poly(diallyl methyl ammoniumhydrochloride) (PDMAH), forming an ammonium halide cation with a halideanion by reacting a trialkyl amine, such as a tripropyl amine, with adihaloalkane, and forming the PDAMAB-TPHAB by reacting the PDMA with theammonium halide cation. In other embodiments, triethyl amine ortrimethyl amine may be utilized as the trialkyl amine.

Still referring to FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments, thediallyl methyl ammonium hydrochloride cation with a chloride anion maybe formed by contacting the diallylamine with formic acid, formaldehyde,and HCl. In other embodiments, the diallyl methyl ammonium hydrochloridemay be polymerized by contact with 2,2′-axobis(2-methylpropionamidine)dihydrochloride (AAPH). In additional embodiments, the poly(diallylmethyl amine) (PDMA) may be formed by contacting the poly(diallyl methylammonium hydrochloride) (PDMAH) with methane and sodium methoxide.

According to another embodiment, the cationic polymer may be aco-polymer comprising the monomer of the structure depicted in ChemicalStructure #3 and the monomer of Chemical Structure #7.

Referring to Chemical Structure #7, in one or more embodiments, A mayrepresent nitrogen or phosphorus. In one embodiment, A may be nitrogen,and in another embodiment, A may be phosphorus. For example, A ofChemical Structure #7 may comprise a quaternary ammonium cation or aquaternary phosphonium cation. As shown in Chemical Structure #7, A maybe a portion of a ring structure, such as a five-sided ring. Anions maybe present and be attracted to A or B, or both, for example, anions maybe chosen from Cl⁻, Br⁻, F⁻, I⁻, OH⁻, ½SO₄ ²⁻, ⅓PO₄ ³⁻, ½S²⁻, AlO₂ ⁻,BF₄ ⁻, SbF₆ ⁻, and BArF⁻. In embodiments, an anion with a negativecharge of more than 1-, such as 2-, 3-, or 4-, may be present, and inthose embodiments, a single anion may pair with multiple cations of thecationic polymer.

In Chemical Structure #3, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, may be hydrogen atoms orhydrocarbons optionally comprising one or more heteroatoms,respectively. For example, some of R6, R7, R8, R9, R10 may bestructurally identical with one another and some of R6, R7, R8, R9, R10may be structurally different from one another. For example, one or moreof R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, may be hydrogen, or alkyl groups, such as methylgroups, ethyl groups, propyl groups, butyl groups, or pentyl groups. Inembodiments, one or more of R6, R7, R8, and R9 may be hydrogen. Inembodiments, R10 may be an alkyl groups. For example, R10 may be amethyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl group. In one embodiment, R10 is amethyl group.

An embodiment of cationic polymers comprising the monomer of thestructure depicted in Chemical Structure #3 and the monomer of Chemicalstructure #7 is depicted in Chemical Structure #8.

As depicted in Chemical Structure #8, the co-polymer may include themonomeric component of Chemical Structure #3 in “m” parts and themonomeric component of Chemical structure #7 in “o” parts. According toembodiments, the ratio of m/(o+m) may be equal to from 0 to 100%. Forexample, when m/(o+m)=0%, the cationic polymer may include only themonomeric components depicted in Chemical Structure #7, and whenm/(o+m)=100%, the cationic polymer may include only the monomericcomponents depicted in Chemical Structure #3. In additional embodiments,m/(o+m) may be equal to from 0 to 25%, from 25% to 50%, from 50% to 75%,or from 75% to 100%. In some embodiments, m/(o+m) may be equal to from25% to 75%, or from 60% to 70%.

In one or more embodiments, Chemical Structure #7 may be a co-polymerthat comprises (o+m) monomer units, where (o+m) may be from 10 to10,000,000 (such as from 50 to 10,000,000, from 100 to 10,000,000, from250 to 10,000,000, from 500 to 10,000,000, from 1,000 to 10,000,000,from 5,000 to 10,000,000, from 10,000 to 10,000,000, from 100,000 to10,000,000, from 1,000,000 to 10,000,000, from 10 to 1,000,000, from 10to 100,000, from 10 to 10,000, from 10 to 5,000, from 10 to 1,000, from10 to 500, from 10 to 250, or from 10 to 100. For example, (o+m) may befrom 1,000 to 1,000,000.

The monomer of Chemical Structure #8 may, in one embodiment, be formedby supplying a lesser molar amount of ammonium halide cation, such thatonly a portion of the PDMA reacts with ammonium halide cation. In suchan embodiment, the non-cation substituted PDMA monomers arerepresentative of the monomers of Chemical Structure #7 and the cationsubstituted monomers are representative of the monomers of ChemicalStructure #3.

According to one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the zeolitesdescribed above, either mesoporous zeolites or conventionalnon-mesoporous zeolites may serve as an “initial zeolite” which is thendehydroxylated, forming a dehydroxylated zeolite. In general, theinitial zeolite may refer to a zeolite which is not substantiallydehydroxylated and includes at least a majority of vicinal hydroxylgroups. Dehydroxylation, as is commonly understood by those skilled inart, involves a reaction whereby a water molecule is formed by therelease of a hydroxyl group and its combination with a proton. Theinitial zeolite may primarily comprise vicinal silanol functionalities.In one or more embodiments, dehydroxylating the initial zeolite may formterminal isolated silanol functionalities comprising hydroxyl groupsbonded to silicon atoms of the microporous framework of thedehydroxylated zeolite. Such isolated silanol functionalities may beexpressed as ≡Si—O—H.

As described herein “silanol functionalities” refer to ≡Si—O—H groups.Silanol groups generally include a silicon atom and a hydroxyl group(—OH). As described herein, “terminal” functionalities refer to thosethat are bonded to only one other atom. For example, the silanolfunctionality may be terminal by being bonded to only one other atomsuch as a silicon atom of the microporous framework. As describedherein, “isolated silanol functionalities” refer to silanolfunctionalities that are sufficiently distant from one another such thathydrogen-bonding interactions are avoided with other silanolfunctionalities. These isolated silanol functionalities are generallysilanol functionalities on the zeolite that are non-adjacent to othersilanol functionalities. Generally, in a zeolite that includes siliconand oxygen atoms, “adjacent silanols” are those that are directly bondedthrough a bridging oxygen atom. Those skilled in the art may understandthat isolated silanol functionalities may be identified by FT-IR and/or¹H-NMR. For example, isolated silanol functionalities may becharacterized by a sharp and intense FT-IR band at about 3749 cm⁻¹and/or a ¹H-NMR shift at about 1.8 ppm. In the embodiments describedherein, peaks at or near 3749 cm⁻¹ in FT-IR and/or at or near 1.8 ppm in¹H-NMR may signify the existence of the dehydroxylated zeolite, and thelack of peaks at or near these values may signify the existence of theinitial zeolite.

Isolated silanol functionalities can be contrasted with vicinal silanolfunctionalities, where two silanol functionalities are “adjacent” oneanother by each being bonded with a bridging oxygen atom. ChemicalStructure # 9 depicts an isolated silanol functionality and ChemicalStructure #10 depicts a vicinal silanol functionality. Hydrogen bondingoccurs between the oxygen atom of one silanol functionality and thehydrogen atom of an adjacent silanol functionality in the vicinalsilanol functionality. Vicinal silanol functionality may show adifferent band in FT-IR and ¹H-NMR, such as 3520 cm⁻¹ or 3720 cm⁻¹ inFT-IR, and 2.7 ppm in ¹H-NMR.

As described herein, a “dehydroxylated zeolite” refers to a zeoliticmaterial that has been at least partially dehydroxylated (i.e., H and Oatoms are liberated from the initial zeolite and water is released).Without being bout by theory, it is believed that the dehydroxylationreaction forms a molecule of water from a hydroxyl group of a firstsilanol and a hydrogen of a second silanol of a zeolite. The remainingoxygen atom of the second silanol functionality forms a siloxane groupin the zeolite [i.e., (≡Si—O—S≡)], sometimes referred to as a strainedsiloxane bridges. These strained siloxane bridges may be reactive in theamine functionalization step, as is described herein. Generally,strained siloxane bridges are those formed in the dehydroxylationreaction and not in the formation of the initial zeolite.

In one or more embodiments, the initial zeolite (as well as thedehydroxylated zeolite) comprises aluminum in addition to silicon andoxygen. For example, ZSM-5 zeolite may include such atoms. Inembodiments with aluminum present, the microporous framework of thedehydroxylated zeolite may include Bronsted acid silanolfunctionalities. In the Bronsted acid silanol functionalities, eachoxygen atom of the Bronsted acid silanol functionality may bridge asilicon atom and an aluminum atom of the microporous framework. SuchBronsted acid silanol functionalities may be expressed as[≡Si—O(H)→Al≡].

Chemical Structure #11 depicts an example of an aluminosilicate zeoliteframework structure that includes the terminal isolated silanolfunctionalities and Bronsted acid silanol functionalities describedherein.

According to one or more embodiments, the dehydroxylation of the initialzeolite may be performed by heating the initial zeolite at elevatedtemperatures under vacuum, such as from 700° C. to 1100° C. It isbelieved that according to one or more embodiments described herein,heating at temperatures below 650° C. may be insufficient to formterminal isolated silanol functionalities. However, heating attemperatures greater than 1100° C. may result in the elimination ofterminal isolated silanol functionalities, or the production of suchfunctionalities in low enough concentrations that further processing bycontact with organometallic chemicals to form organometallic moieties isnot observed, as is described subsequently herein.

According to embodiments, the temperature of heating may be from 650° C.to 700° C., from 700° C. to 750° C., from 750° C. to 800° C., from 800°C. to 850° C., from 850° C. to 900° C., from 900° C. to 950° C., from950° C. to 1000° C., from 1000° C. to 1050° C., from 1050° C. to 1100°C., or any combination of these ranges. For example, temperature rangesfrom 650° C. to any named value are contemplated, and temperature rangesfrom any named value to 1100° C. are contemplated. As described herein,vacuum pressure refers to any pressure less than atmospheric pressure.According to some embodiments, the pressure during the heating processmay be less than 10⁻² mbar, less than 10^(−2.5) mbar, less than 10⁻³mbar, less than 10^(−3.5) mbar, less than 10⁻⁴ mbar, or even less than10^(−4.5) mbar. The heating times may be sufficiently long such that thezeolite is brought to thermal equilibrium with the oven or other thermalapparatus utilized. For example, heating times of greater than 8 hours,greater than 12 hours, or greater than 18 hours may be utilized. Forexample, 24 hours of heating time may be utilized.

Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed thatgreater heating temperatures during dehydroxylation correlate withreduced terminal silanols present on the dehydroxylated zeolite.However, it is believed that greater heating temperatures duringdehydroxylation correlate with greater amounts of strained siloxanes.For example, when the initial zeolite is heated at 700° C. duringdehydroxylation, the concentration of terminal isolated silanol groupsmay be at least 0.4 mmol/g, such as approximately 0.45 mmol/g in someembodiments, as measured by methyl lithium titration. Dehydroxylating at1100° C. may result in much less terminal isolated silanol and much lessBronsted acid silanol. In some embodiments, less than 10% of theterminal isolated silanol groups present at 700° C. dehydroxylation arepresent when 1100° C. dehydroxylation heating is used. However, it isbelieved that strained siloxane groups are appreciably greater at thesegreater dehydroxylation temperatures. As is described subsequentlyherein, the dehydroxylation temperature may affect the aminefunctionalization by ammonia processing.

In one or more embodiments, the dehydroxylated zeolite may be processedto form the amine functionalized zeolite. Generally, to form the aminefunctionalized zeolite, the dehydroxylated zeolite may be contactedand/or reacted with ammonia or other amine compounds, such as aniline,at a given temperature. According to one or more embodiments, thetemperature for the ammonia treatment may be from 200° C. to 900° C.

In one or more embodiments, it is believed that contacting of thedehydroxylated zeolite with ammonia may result in the formation of theamine functionalized zeolite. Chemical Structure #12 depicts a reactionscheme whereby the dehydroxylated zeolite is converted to an aminefunctionalized zeolite. In particular, the terminal isolated silanolfunctionalities may be converted to primary amine functionalities on theamine functionalized zeolite. Additionally, in embodiments wherealuminum is present in the zeolitic framework structure and Bronstedacid silanols are present in the dehydroxylated zeolite, a primary aminemay be formed where the nitrogen atom of the primary amine iscoordinated with an aluminum atom.

As is depicted in Chemical Structure #12, in one or more embodiments,isolated terminal amine functionalities may be bonded to silicon atomsof the microporous framework (sometimes referred to as silylamine groupsherein). The isolated terminal amine functionalities may be primaryamine functionalities such that the nitrogen atom of the primary aminefunctionality is bonded to two hydrogen atoms and one silicon atom ofthe microporous framework. Similar to the description of isolated andterminal in the context of silanol groups in the dehydroxylated zeolite,the isolated terminal amine functionalities refer to aminefunctionalities which are terminal by being bound to only one other atom(i.e., the silicon atom of the framework of the zeolite in this case)and are isolated by not being adjacent to other amine functionalities.In general, isolated silanol functionalities in the dehydroxylatedzeolite may be converted to isolated amine functionalities in the aminefunctionalized zeolite.

Additionally, as is depicted in Chemical Structure #12, in embodimentswhere aluminum is present in the zeolite, the amine functionalizedzeolite may comprise primary amine groups bonded to silicon atoms of theframework (sometimes referred to as silylamine groups) coordinated withan aluminum atom of the framework structure. As described herein, asilylamine group refers to ≡Si—N—H₂ in the zeolite. The silylamine groupthus includes a nitrogen atom bonded to a first hydrogen, a secondhydrogen, and a silicon atom of the zeolitic framework structure. Thesilylamine may include a primary amine since the nitrogen atom is bondedwith two hydrogens and one non-hydrogen atom (the silicon of thezeolitic framework). The nitrogen atom is further coordinated with analuminum atom of the zeolitic framework.

According to embodiments, the reaction of Chemical Structure #12 mayoccur at temperatures of at least 400° C. Generally, with increasingtemperatures, additional reaction may take place, as is describedsubsequently. It is believed that additional reactions may be minimizedwhen temperatures of less than 600° C. are utilized during the aminefunctionalization step. In one or more embodiments, the amount ofprimary amine functionalities may be quantified by nitrogen elementalanalysis or titration with BuLi, MeLi, or MeMgBr. Generally, aminefunctionalized material may have about 0.450 mmol/g of ≡Si—NH₂ whenquantified by titration with MeLi and gas chromatograph measurements ofevolved methane.

In one or more embodiments, when temperatures of at least 600° C. areutilized during amine functionalization, additional reactions take placewhich may form other amine functionalities. Chemical Structure #13 showssecondary amine functionalities that may form at relatively hightemperatures during ammonia treatment.

In one or more embodiments, as is shown in Chemical Structure #13,silazane groups may be formed. Silazanes, as described herein, refer to(≡Si—NH—SH≡) groups. Silazanes can be considered secondary amines sincethe nitrogen atom is sigma-bonded to two silicon atoms. In embodimentswhere alumina is present in the zeolite, silylamine that are coordinatedwith aluminum atoms may be present in the amine functionalized zeolites.Chemical Structure #14, below, shows a mechanism by which terminalisolated silylamine groups (previously formed by ammonia treatment atleast at 400° C.) and strained siloxane bridges (formed duringdehydroxylation at high temperature) may be converted to silazanes. Asdepicted in Chemical Structure #14, silazane functionalities may becoordinated with aluminum atoms where aluminum is present in themicrostructure of the zeolite. The mechanism for the formation ofsilazanes coordinated with aluminum atoms may be formed by a similarmechanism as shown in Chemical Structure #14. Silazane bridges may becharacterized by FT-IR vibrational band at 3386 cm⁻¹.

According to various embodiments, combinations of temperatures indehydroxylation and amine functionality formation promote certainfunctionalities present in the amine functionalized zeolite. Variouscombinations are described herein. However, it should be understood thatin many embodiments the heating temperature during aminefunctionalization by ammonia contacting is less than or equal to thedehydroxylation temperature. In such embodiments, the degree ofdehydroxylation can be controlled by the dehydroxylation temperaturesince higher temperatures are not utilized post dehydroxylation.

In one or more embodiments, dehydroxylation temperatures may berelatively low (e.g., 800° C. or less) and amine functionalizationtemperatures may be any temperature less than or equal to thetemperature of the dehydroxylation heating. As described herein,relatively low dehydroxylation temperatures may promote the formation ofterminal isolated silanol groups. In such embodiments, strained siloxanebridges may be relatively low in concentration. Chemical Structure #15shows a general reaction scheme for such an embodiment. The non-strainedsiloxane groups (present in the initial zeolite) are largely unaffectedby the ammonia treatment at relatively low temperatures. Suchembodiments may be rich in terminal isolated siloxane groups, which maybe utilized for grafting of organometallic moieties. Such embodimentsmay be desirable for organometallic grafting as described herein.

According to additional embodiments, the dehydroxylation heatingtemperature is relatively high (e.g., greater than 800° C. or evengreater than 900° C.). As described herein, such a dehydroxylationtemperature may preference the formation of strained siloxane bridgesover terminal isolated silanol moieties. Chemical Structure #16 depictsa reaction mechanism whereby a strained siloxane moiety of adehydroxylated zeolite may form hydroxyl groups and amine groups attemperatures of 200° C. and greater, and may subsequently frombis-silylamine pairs at temperatures of at least 400° C. Thesesilylamine pairs may not be desirable for organometallic graftingapplications as they are neighboring and are not considered to be“isolated” amine moieties as described herein. While they may not bestrictly adjacent, they are nearby since they are formed from thecleavage of a siloxane bridge.

Without being bound by theory, it is believed that ammonia treatment attemperatures greater than 900° C. will result in the formation ofoxynitride functionalities. Such materials include nitrogen atoms bondedto three silicon atoms (i.e., a tertiary amine). Such tertiary aminesmay not be desired in the embodiments disclosed herein. ChemicalStructure #17 depicts a reaction pathway whereby silicon oxynitride isformed by exposure to ammonia at temperatures greater than 900° C.

According to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein, the aminefunctionalized zeolite is reacted with an organometallic chemical. Thisprocess may be referred to as the organometallic moiety grafting step.As presently described, an “organometallic chemical” refers to anychemical comprising both metal and organic constituents, as would beunderstood by one skilled in the art. The organometallic moietiesgrafted to the zeolitic framework structure comprise a portion of theorganometallic chemical. The organometallic chemical, as describedherein, can be thought of as a precursor to the grafted organometallicmoiety. According to embodiments, the organometallic chemical reactswith the amine functionalized zeolite to form the organometallic moiety.The reaction of the organometallic chemical with the aminefunctionalized zeolite may form the modified zeolite comprisingorganometallic moieties. Each of the organometallic moieties may bebonded to a nitrogen atom of the modified zeolite. As presentlydescribed, the “organometallic moiety” may be any chemical groupcomprising a metal atom and some organic constituent. Generally, themetal atom of the organometallic moiety may be bonded to a bridgingnitrogen atom. The organometallic moieties, as described herein, may bederived from an organometallic chemical that is reacted with the aminefunctionalized zeolite.

Chemical Structure #18, shown below, generally depicts one reactionwhich is contemplated to take place when the amine functionalizedzeolite is contacted by the organometallic chemical. In ChemicalStructure #18, MR₁R₂R₃R₄ is representative of an organometallicchemical, where M is a metal atom and R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are ligandsbonded to the metal. It should be understood that, depending upon themetal, less than four or greater than four ligands may be present in theorganometallic chemical. Still referring to Chemical Structure #18, theorganometallic chemical is reacted with the amine functionalized zeoliteand the resulting modified zeolite includes the organometallic moiety.The organometallic moiety is generally shown as -MR₂R₃R₄. In thegrafting reaction of Chemical Structure #18, the R₁ ligand is bondedwith a hydrogen atom of an isolated terminal primary amine group of theamine functionalized zeolite and forms a bi-product depicted in ChemicalStructure #18 as R₁—H. As depicted, the modified zeolite may include theorganometallic moieties each bonded to bridging nitrogen atoms. Thebridging nitrogen atom may bridge the metal atom of the organometallicmoiety and a silicon atom of the microporous framework of the modifiedzeolite. The bridging nitrogen atom may be a portion of a secondaryamine moiety since it is bonded to two heteroatoms and a singlehydrogen. As described herein, “bridging” atoms are those which arebonded to at least two other atoms. For example, the bridging nitrogenatoms described herein may be bonded with a silicon atom of themicroporous framework as well as the metal atom of the organometallicmoiety. Bridging atoms may be contrasted with terminal atoms ormoieties, which are only bonded to a single other atom. As used herein,“bridging” refers to direct bonding to the two or more other atoms ormoieties.

According to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein, theorganometallic moiety grafting step, as depicted in Chemical Structure#18, may take place by liquid impregnation of the organometallicchemical. The organometallic chemical may be in a solution with a drysolvent such as n-pentane. In some embodiments, the impregnation processmay be performed at or near room temperature under stirring for severalhours, such as from 3 to 10 hours. Following impregnation, the modifiedzeolite may be washed and dried. Other grafting methods are contemplatedbesides wet impregnation, and the grafting technique should not benecessarily limiting on the modified zeolite structure or methods ofmaking such. For example, in one or more embodiments, the organometallicmoiety grafting step may take place by sublimation of the organometalliccompound if the organometallic compound is sufficiently volatile.

Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the organometallicmoiety grafting described herein, where organometallic moieties arebonded to bridging nitrogen atoms, may take place only when isolatedterminal primary amide groups are present on the zeolite. Thus, it isbelieved that presently disclosed methods for grafting organometallicmoieties may not be successful unless the methods utilize adehydroxylation step which promotes the formation of terminal isolatedsilanol functionalities, followed by amine functionality introductionthat converts the terminal isolated silanols into isolated terminalprimary amines.

In one or more embodiments, substantially all of the isolated terminalprimary amine groups of the amine functionalized zeolite may be reacted.For example, if the concentration of isolated terminal primary aminegroups is at least 0.4 mmol/g, the concentration of organometallicmoieties may be at least 0.4 mmol/g. It is also contemplated that,according to some embodiments, not all isolated terminal primary aminegroups are reacted. According to embodiments, at least 50%, at least60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least99% of isolated terminal primary amine groups of the aminefunctionalized zeolite are reacted in the organometallic grafting step.According to one or more embodiments, the modified zeolite may compriseat least 0.25 mmol/g, at least 0.3 mmol/g, at least 0.35 mmol/g, atleast 0.4 mmol/g, or even at least 0.45 mmol/g of the organometallicmoieties.

In one or more embodiments, since the organometallic moiety of themodified zeolite is bonded with a nitrogen atom from an isolatedterminal primary amine group of the amine functionalized zeolite,dehydroxylation conditions that form relatively greater amounts ofterminal isolated silanol groups may be desired. For example, asdescribed herein, temperatures near 700° C. (such as 650° C. to 900° C.,sometimes less than 800° C.) for dehydroxylation may be utilized to formgreater amounts of terminal isolated silanol groups, which may then beconverted to isolated terminal primary amine groups as described herein.In one or more embodiments, dehydroxylation heating temperatures may beless than or equal to 900° C., less than or equal to 850° C., less thanor equal to 800° C., or less than or equal to 750° C.

Following dehydroxylation at relatively low temperatures, aminefunctionalization at relatively low temperatures may lead to increasedorganometallic grafting concentrations. As is described herein, aminefunctionalization at temperatures of less than or equal to 600° C. maypromote the formation of isolated terminal primary amine groups.Increased presence of isolated terminal primary amine group may lead togreater amounts of grafted organometallic functionalities.

In one or more embodiments, the organometallic moieties may comprisezirconium. In one or more embodiments, the organometallic moieties maycomprise a zirconium compound that may have a chemical formula ofZrR₁R₂R₃. In one or more embodiments R₁ may be a functional group. Forexample, R₁ may be an alkyl group, a hydride group, a hydroxyl group, analkoxy group, an allyl group, a cyclopentadienyl group, an amino group,an amido group, an imido group, a nitrido group, a carbene group, acarbyne group, a halide group, a benzyl group, a phenyl group, an acetylgroup, or an oxide group. In one or more embodiments, R₂ may be afunctional group. For example, R₂ may be an alkyl group, a hydridegroup, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an allyl group, acyclopentadienyl group, an amino group, an amido group, an imido group,a nitrido group, a carbene group, a carbyne group, a halide group, abenzyl group, a phenyl group, an acetyl group, or an oxide group. In oneor more embodiments, R₃ may be a functional group. For example, R₃ maybe an alkyl group, a hydride group, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group,an allyl group, a cyclopentadienyl group, an amino group, an amidogroup, an imido group, a nitrido group, a carbene group, a carbynegroup, a halide group, a benzyl group, a phenyl group, an acetyl group,or an oxide group.

In one or more embodiments, the zirconium may have a valence state of 4and R₁, R₂, and R₃ may be selected such that the valence state ofzirconium is respected. For example, when R₁, R₂, or R₃ is a carbenegroup, the remaining functional groups must have at least one electronto share with the zirconium atom.

In one or more embodiments, organometallic moieties and organometallicchemicals may comprise one or more functional groups. As describedherein, a “parent” atom or molecule refers to the atom or molecule towhich a described functional group or other moiety is bonded. In one ormore embodiments, the parent atom or molecule may comprise zirconium.

As described herein, an “alkyl group” may be a functional group derivedfrom an alkane. Generally, alkanes may be saturated hydrocarbons thatmay contain carbon-carbon single bonds. In one or more embodiments, analkyl group may derive from an alkane comprising one or more carbonatoms. For example, the alkyl group may comprise a methyl, ethyl,propyl, butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, n-nonyl, or n-decylgroup. In one or more embodiments, the alkyl group may be derived from abranched alkane of at least three carbon atoms. For example, the alkylgroup may comprise an isopropyl, isobutyl, tertbutyl, isopentyl, orneopentyl group. In one or more embodiments, alkyl groups may have oneor more isomers and, any isomers of an alkyl group may be bound to theparent atom. In one or more embodiments, the alkyl group may comprise acycloalkane. For example, the alkyl group may comprise a cyclobutyl,cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclooctyl, cyclononyl, or cyclodecyl group.

As described herein, a “hydride group” may be a hydrogen atom with anegative formal charge. In one or more embodiments the hydride group mayhave nucleophilic, reducing, or basic properties.

As described herein, a “hydroxyl group” may be a functional group thatmay comprise oxygen bonded to hydrogen. In one or more embodiments, ahydroxyl group may have the chemical formula OH. In one or moreembodiments, the oxygen atom of the hydroxyl group may be bonded to theparent atom or molecule.

As described herein, an “alkoxy group” may be a functional group withthe chemical formula OR, where R comprises an alkyl group. In one ormore embodiments, the oxygen atom of the alkoxy group may be bonded tothe parent atom or molecule.

As described herein, an “allyl group” may be a functional groupcomprising a methylene bridge between a vinyl group and the parent atomor molecule. In one or more embodiments, an allyl group may have thechemical formula H₂C═CH—CH₂R, where R is the parent atom or molecule.

As described herein, a “cyclopentadienyl group” may be a functionalgroup comprising an aromatic with the chemical formula [C₅H₅]⁻. In oneor more embodiments, one or more of the hydrogen atoms of thecyclopentadienyl group may be replaced by one or more functional groups.For example, the cyclopentadienyl group may be a pentamethylcyclopentadienyl group or substituted cyclopentadienyl group. In one ormore embodiments, the parent atom or molecule may replace one of thehydrogen atoms in the cyclopentadienyl group. In one or moreembodiments, the parent atom or molecule may comprise a metal and mayform an organometallic complex with the cyclopentadienyl group withoutreplacing one of the hydrogen atoms of the cyclopentadienyl group.

As described herein, an “amino group” may be a functional groupcomprising a nitrogen atom where the nitrogen atom is bonded to theparent atom or molecule. In one or more embodiments, the amino group mayhave a chemical formula of NR₁R₂, where R₁ may be an organic functionalgroup or a hydrogen atom and R₂ may be an organic functional group or ahydrogen atom. In one or more embodiments, R₁ and R₂ may be methylgroups. In one or more embodiments, R₁ and R₂ may be hydrogen atoms.

As described herein, an “amido group” may be a functional group having achemical formula of C(═O)NR₁R₂, where R₁ may be an organic functionalgroup or a hydrogen atom and R₂ may be an organic functional group or ahydrogen atom. In one or more embodiments, R₁ and R₂ may be methylgroups. In one or more embodiments, R₁ and R₂ may be hydrogen atoms. Inone or more embodiments, the carbon atom may be bonded to the parentatom or molecule.

As described herein, an “imido group” may be a functional groupcomprising a nitrogen atom bonded to two acyl groups. As describedherein, an “acyl group” may be a functional group comprising an oxygenatom bonded to an alkyl group by a double bond. In one or moreembodiments, the nitrogen atom of the imido group may be bonded to theparent atom or molecule. In one or more embodiments, the imido group maybe a cyclic functional group.

As described herein, a “nitrido group” may be a functional groupcomprising a nitrogen atom that may have an oxidation state of −3. Inone or more embodiments, the nitrogen atom may be bonded to the parentatom or molecule. In one or more embodiments, the nitrido group maycomprise a nitrogen atom bonded only to transition metals.

As described herein, a “carbene group” may be a functional groupcomprising a carbon atom with two unshared valence electrons. In one ormore embodiments, the carbon atom with two unshared valence electronsmay be bonded to the parent atom or molecule by a single covalent bond.In one or more embodiments, the carbon atom with two unshared valenceelectrons may be bonded to the parent atom or molecule by a doublecovalent bond.

As described herein, a “carbyne group” may be a functional groupcomprising a carbon atom with three non-bonded electrons. In one or moreembodiments, the carbon atom may be bonded to the parent atom ormolecule by a single covalent bond.

As described herein, a “halogen group” may be a functional groupcomprising fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, or astatine. In one ormore embodiments, a halogen comprising fluorine, chlorine, bromine,iodine, or astatine may be bonded to the parent atom or molecule.

As described herein, a “benzyl group” may be a functional groupcomprising a benzene ring attached to a CH₂ group. In one or moreembodiments, a benzyl group may have the chemical formula C₆H₅CH₂. Inone or more embodiments, one or more of the hydrogen atoms of the benzylgroup may be replaced by one or more functional groups. In one or moreembodiments, the CH₂ group may be bonded to the parent atom or molecule.

As described herein, a “phenyl group” may comprise a benzene ring. Inone or more embodiments, a phenol group may have a chemical formula ofC₆H₅. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the hydrogen atoms ofthe phenyl group may be replaced by one or more functional groups. Inone or more embodiments, a carbon atom of the phenyl group may be bondedto the parent atom or molecule.

As described herein, an “acetyl group” may be a functional group thatmay comprise a carbon atom single bonded to a methyl group, doublebonded to an oxygen and single bonded to the parent atom or molecule.

As described herein, an “oxide group” may be a functional group that maycomprise oxygen. In one or more embodiments, the oxide group may have achemical formula of R═O, where R is the parent atom or molecule.

In one or more embodiments, each of R₁, R₂, and R₃ may be an alkylgroup. In one or more embodiments, each of R₁, R₂, and R₃ may be thesame alkyl group. In one or more embodiments, R₁, R₂, and R₃ may be aneopentyl group. In one or more embodiments, the organometallic moietiesmay comprise tris(neopentyl)zirconium.

In one or more embodiments, the organometallic chemical may comprisezirconium. In one or more embodiments, the organometallic chemical maycomprise a zirconium compound that may have a chemical formula ofZrR₁R₂R₃R₄. In one or more embodiments R₁ may be a functional group. Forexample, R₁ may be an alkyl group, a hydride group, a hydroxyl group, analkoxy group, an allyl group, a cyclopentadienyl group, an amino group,an amido group, an imido group, a nitrido group, a carbene group, acarbyne group, a halide group, a benzyl group, a phenyl group, an acetylgroup, or an oxide group. In one or more embodiments, R₂ may be afunctional group. For example, R₂ may be an alkyl group, a hydridegroup, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an allyl group, acyclopentadienyl group, an amino group, an amido group, an imido group,a nitrido group, a carbene group, a carbyne group, a halide group, abenzyl group, a phenyl group, an acetyl group, or an oxide group. In oneor more embodiments, R₃ may be a functional group. For example, R₃ maybe an alkyl group, a hydride group, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group,an allyl group, a cyclopentadienyl group, an amino group, an amidogroup, an imido group, a nitrido group, a carbene group, a carbynegroup, a halide group, a benzyl group, a phenyl group, an acetyl group,or an oxide group. In one or more embodiments, R₄ may be a functionalgroup. For example, R₄ may be an alkyl group, a hydride group, ahydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an allyl group, a cyclopentadienylgroup, an amino group, an amido group, an imido group, a nitrido group,a carbene group, a carbyne group, a halide group, a benzyl group, aphenyl group, an acetyl group, or an oxide group.

In one or more embodiments, the zirconium may have a valence state of 4and R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ may be selected such that the valence state ofzirconium is respected. For example, when R₁, R₂, R₃, or R₄ is a carbenegroup, the remaining functional groups must have at least one electronto share with the zirconium atom.

In one or more embodiments, each of R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ may be an alkylgroup. In one or more embodiments, each of R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ may be thesame alkyl group. For example, the organometallic chemical may comprisetetrakis(methyl)zirconium, Zr(Me)₄. In one or more embodiments, R₁, R₂,R₃ and R₄ may be a neopentyl group. In one or more embodiments, theorganometallic chemical may comprise tetrakis(neopentyl)zirconium.

In one or more further embodiments, the organometallic chemical may beany of the zirconium compounds disclosed in Chemical Structures 19-24.For example, in one or more embodiments, the organometallic chemical maycomprise amino groups, as displayed in Chemical Structures 19 and 20. Inone or more embodiments, the organometallic chemical may comprise alkylgroups, as displayed in Chemical Structures 21-24. Additionally, theorganometallic chemicals may comprise aromatic groups includingcyclopentadienyl groups, as displayed in Chemical Structures 22-23.

As previously described herein, zeolites generally comprise crystallineatomic arrangements, as opposed to amorphous arrangement. Without beingbound by theory, it is believed that isolated silanol moieties may notbe formed on non-crystalline materials when heated. As such, it isbelieved that the grafting of the organometallic chemical to for theorganometallic moiety on the modified zeolite may not occur onnon-crystalline materials.

Additionally, as previously disclosed herein, the modified zeolite, aswell as the zeolitic precursors, may comprise mesopores. The mesoporesmay allow for grafting of the organometallic chemicals throughout theinterior of the modified zeolite. In order to access such interiorsites, the mesopores may be at least as large as the organometallicchemical. For example, the average pore size of the modified zeolite (orthe amine functionalized zeolite or dehydroxylated zeolite or initialzeolite) may be at least 0.5 nm, at least 1 nm, at least 2 nm, at least3 nm, at least 4 nm, at least 5 nm, or even at least 10 nm greater thanthe size of the organometallic chemical.

It should be understood that, according to one or more embodiments,presently disclosed, the various functional groups of the zeolites maybe identified by FT-IR and/or ¹H-NMR methods. When a zeolite “comprises”such a moiety, such inclusion may be evidenced by a peak at or near thebands in FT-IR and/or ¹H-NMR corresponding to such moiety. Suchdetection methods would be understood by those skilled in the art.

In one or more embodiments, the presently disclosed modified zeolitesmay be suitable for use as catalysts in refining, petrochemicals, andchemical processing. For example, zeolites may be useful as crackingcatalysts in processes such as hydrocracking and fluid catalyticcracking. Table 1 shows some contemplated catalytic functionality forthe presently disclosed modified zeolites, and provides the type ofzeolite that may be describable. However, it should be understood thatthe description of Table 1 should not be construed as limiting on thepossible uses for modified zeolites presently disclosed.

TABLE 1 Framework of zeolite components Catalytic Reaction TargetDescription of Catalyst Catalytic cracking To convert high boiling, highmolecular mass FAU, MFI hydrocarbon fractions to more valuable gasoline,olefinic gases, and other products Hydrocracking To produce diesel withhigher quality BEA, FAU Gas oil hydrotreating/Lube Maximizing productionof premium distillate FAU, MFI hydrotreating by catalytic dewaxingAlkane cracking and alkylation To improve octane and production ofgasolines MFI of aromatics and BTX Olefin oligomerization To convertlight olefins to gasoline & distillate FER, MFI Methanol dehydration toolefins To produce light olefins from methanol CHA, MFI Heavy aromaticstransalkylation To produce xylene from C9+ FAU, MFI Fischer-TropschSynthesis FT To produce gasoline, hydrocarbons, and linear MFIalpha-olefins, mixture of oxygenates CO₂ to fuels and chemicals To makeorganic chemicals, materials, and MFI carbohydrates

In embodiments where mesopores are present in the modified zeolite,relatively large hydrocarbons, such as vacuum gas oils, may have accessto interior catalytic sites on the modified zeolites. Additionally,since organometallic moieties may be present in the interior regionswhere relatively large hydrocarbons may diffuse, the relatively largehydrocarbons may have additional contacting with the organometallicmoieties, which may promote additional or alternative catalyticfunctionality as compared with the catalytic sites on the zeoliteframework.

According to additional embodiments, the presently disclosed modifiedzeolites may be suitable for use in separation and/or mass captureprocesses. For example, the presently disclosed modified zeolites may beuseful for adsorbing CO₂ and for separating p-xylene from its isomers.

According to embodiments, the metal in the organometallic moiety mayimprove stability of the material, particularly if used as a catalyst.Zeolitic catalysts may be exposed to relatively high heat duringreaction, at it is believed that the presently disclosed modifiedzeolites may have exhibit less aging and may have a longer service timebefore becoming permanently deactivated. In one or more embodiments,where the organometallic moieties comprise alkyl groups, theorganometallic moieties may decompose at temperature above 150° C. Forexample, under H₂, alkyl groups of organometallic moieties comprisingzirconium may be converted to metal hydride species including bipodalsupported Zirconium bis hydride and tripodal supported Zirconium monohydride. Additionally, an oxidation reaction with N₂O could convert Zr—Hinto Zr—OH. In further embodiments, when organometallic moietiescomprising zirconium and alkyl groups are in the presence of oxygen, thealkyl groups may be converted to alkoxy groups. In such embodiments, thedecomposition of the organometallic moieties may reduce the catalyticactivity of the modified zeolite.

EXAMPLES

The various embodiments of methods and systems for formingfunctionalized zeolites will be further clarified by the followingexamples. The examples are illustrative in nature and should not beunderstood to limit the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Example 1—Synthesis of PDAMAB-TPHAB Cationic Polymer

A generalized reaction sequence for producing PDAMAB-TPHAB is depictedin FIG. 1. Each step in the synthesis is described in the context ofFIG. 1.

In a first step, a methyl amine monomer was synthesized. Diallylamine (1part equivalent, 0.1 mol) was slowly added to a solution of formic acid(5 equivalent, 0.5 mol) that was cooled to 0° C. in a 500 milliliter(mL) round-bottom flask. To the resulting clear solution a formaldehydesolution (37% solution; 3 equivalent, 0.3 mol) was added and the mixturewas stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. Then, the flask wasconnected to a reflux condenser and the reaction mixture was heatedovernight at 110° C. After, the solution was cooled and aqueous HCl (4N, 2 equivalent, 0.9 mol, 225 mL) was added. The crude reaction productwas evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure.

In a second step, a poly(diallyl methyl amine) (PDMA) was synthesized. A50% aqueous solution of the monomer diallyl methyl ammoniumhydrochloride with 3.2% initiator of 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine)dihydrochloride (AAPH) was purged with nitrogen for 20 minutes (min).Afterwards, the reaction was stirred under nitrogen atmosphere at 50° C.for 3 hours, and then the reaction was increased to 60° C. for another 6hours. The product poly(diallyl methyl ammonium hydrochloride) (PDMAH)was purified by dialysis and the water was removed on the rotaryevaporator under reduced pressure. Then, the PDMAH (1 part equivalentwith respect to monomer unit) was dissolved in a minimum amount ofmethanol and placed in an ice bath. Subsequently, sodium methoxide (1part equivalent) dissolved in a minimum amount of methanol, was added.The reaction was stored in a freezer for 1 hour. The PDMA methanolsolution was obtained after removing the NaCl with centrifugation.

In a third step, 6-bromo-N,N,N-tripropylhexan-1-aminium bromide (BTPAB)was synthesized. A tripropyl amine (0.05 mol)/toluene mixture (1:1volume/volume (v/v)) was added to 1,6-dibromohexane (0.1mol)/acetonitrile (1:1 v/v) slowly at 60° C. under magnetic stirring,and kept at this temperature for 24 hours. After cooling to roomtemperature and solvent evaporation, the obtained BTPAB was extractedthrough a diethyl ether-water system that separates excess1,6-dibromohexane from the mixture.

In a fourth step, PDAMAB-TPHAB was synthesized. For the synthesis ofPDAMAB-TPHAB, 1 part equivalent of PDMA (with respect to monomer unit)in methanol was dissolved with 1 part equivalent of BTPAB inacetonitrile/toluene (40 mL, v:v=1:1) and refluxed at 70° C. for 72hours under magnetic stirring. After cooling to room temperature andthen solvent evaporation, the obtained PDAMAB-TPHAB was further purifiedby dialysis method in water.

The PDAMAB-TPHAB polymer synthesized in Example 1 was analyzed by¹H-NMR. The ¹H-NMR spectrum for the polymer produced in Example 1 isdepicted in FIG. 2. The ¹H-NMR spectrum shows peaks at or near 0.85parts per million (ppm), at or near 1.3 ppm, at or near 1.6 ppm, at ornear 2.8 ppm, and at or near 3.05 ppm.

Example 2—Synthesis of Mesoporous ZSM-5 Zeolite

A mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite was formed having a Si/Al molar ratio of 30.In a typical synthesis, a homogeneous solution was prepared bydissolving 0.75 g of NaOH and 0.21 g of NaAlO₂ in 59.0 g of deionizedwater. This was followed by the addition 2.0 g ofpoly(N¹,N¹-diallyl-N¹-methyl-N⁶,N⁶,N⁶-tripropylhexane-1,6-diamoniumbromide), PDAMAB-TPHAB polymer under vigorous stirring at 60° C. Afterstirring for 1 hour, 16.5 g of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) was addeddropwise to the solution and further stirred for 12 hours at 60° C. Theobtained viscous gel was subjected to hydrothermal treatment at 150° C.for 60 hours. The resulting solids were washed, filtered and dried at110° C. for overnight. The as-synthesized solids were calcined at 550°C. for 6 hours at a heating rate of 1° C./min under static conditions.Then, an ion-exchange procedure was performed using 1.0 M NH₄NO₃solution at 80° C. The ion-exchanging process was repeated thrice priorto calcination at 550° C. for 4 hours in air to generate the H-form ofZSM-5 zeolite.

The mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 2 was analyzed by powder X-raydiffraction (PXRD). The PXRD pattern of the mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite ofExample 2 is displayed in FIG. 3. Additionally, SEM images of themesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 2 were obtained and are displayed inFIGS. 4A and 4B. The SEM images displayed in FIGS. 4A and 4B show thatthe mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite exhibits a nanofibrous morphology withparticle sizes ranging from about 200 to about 400 nm. The mesoporousZSM-5 zeolite of Example 2 was further analyzed by TEM imaging. TEMimages of the mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 2 are displayed inFIGS. 5A-5K. These figures display uniform nanocrystals with MFIframeworks, The nanocrystals contain unidimensional nanorods that forminterconnected intercrystalline open-type mesopores. The TEM images showthat the lattice fringes originate from the MFI frameworks, whichindicates the crystalline nature of the mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite ofExample 2.

Example 3—Synthesis of a ZSM-5 Zeolite Dehydroxylated at 700° C.

A dehydroxylated ZSM-5 zeolite was formed by treating 2 g of themesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 2 at a temperature of 700° C. and apressure of 10⁻⁵ mbar for a time of 20 hours. Heating occurred at a rateof 150° C./hr. The dehydroxylated ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 3 wasanalyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. An FT-IRspectrum comparing the mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 2 and thedehydroxylated ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 3 is displayed in FIG. 6. Line810 (dashed line) refers to the FT-IR spectrum for the mesoporous ZSM-5zeolite of Example 2, and line 811 (solid line) refers to the FT-IRspectrum of dehydroxylated ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 3. The FT-IRspectrum of the dehydroxylated ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 3 in FIG. 6displays a peak at 3749 cm⁻¹ relating to isolated silanols and a peak at3613 cm⁻¹ relating to a Bronsted acid. These peaks are not present onthe FT-IR spectrum of the mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 2, showingthat the dehydroxylation process described in Example 3 was successful.

The dehydroxylated ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 3 was analyzed by nuclearmagnetic resonance spectroscopy. A ¹H-MAS-NMR spectrum of thedehydroxylated ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 3 is displayed in FIG. 7. The¹H-MAS-NMR spectrum of the dehydroxylated ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 3displays peaks at 2.77 ppm, 2.12 ppm, and 1.93 ppm. An Aluminum SolidState Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (²⁷Al-SS-NMR) spectrum of thedehydroxylated ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 3 is displayed in FIG. 8. The²⁷Al-SS-NMR spectrum of the dehydroxylated ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 3displays peaks at 54.69 ppm, 29.62 ppm, and 1.54 ppm.

Example 4—Synthesis of an Amine Functionalized ZSM-5 Zeolite at 500° C.

The dehydroxylated ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 3 was treated with ammoniaat a temperature of 500° C. for 6 hours to produce an aminefunctionalized ZSM-5 zeolite. An FT-IR spectrum comparing the aminefunctionalized ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 4 and the dehydroxylated ZSM-5zeolite of Example 3 is displayed in FIG. 9. Line 820 refers to theFT-IR spectrum of the amine functionalized ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 4,and line 821 refers to the FT-IR spectrum of the dehydroxylated ZSM-5zeolite of Example 3. The FT-IR spectrum of the amine functionalizedZSM-5 zeolite of Example 4 in FIG. 9 exhibits a peak at 3531 cm⁻¹corresponding to ν_(s)(Si—NH₂), a peak at 3445 cm⁻¹ corresponding toν_(as)(Si—NH₂), a peak at 3328 cm⁻¹ corresponding to ν_(s)(Al→NH₂—Si), apeak at 3274 cm⁻¹ corresponding to ν_(as)(Si—NH₂→Al), a peak at 1549cm⁻¹ corresponding to δ(Si—NH₂), and a peak at 1530 cm⁻¹ correspondingto δ(Si—NH₂→Al). These peaks are not present in the FT-IR spectrum ofdehydroxylated ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 3. Thus, the presence of thesepeaks in the FT-IR spectrum of the amine functionalized ZSM-5 zeolite ofExample 4 shows that the ammonia treatment was successful in addingsilylamine groups to the dehydroxylated ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 3.

The amine functionalized ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 4 was analyzed by¹H-MAS-NMR spectroscopy. The ¹H-MAS-NMR spectrum of the aminefunctionalized ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 4 is displayed in FIG. 10. The¹H-MAS-NMR spectrum of the amine functionalized ZSM-5 zeolite of Example4 exhibits a strong signal at 0.47 ppm, corresponding to silylamine(Si—NH₂), and at 1.44 ppm, corresponding to silylamine coordinated toaluminum (Si—NH₂→Al).

The amine functionalized ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 4 was analyzed by twodimensional double quantum solid state proton nuclear magnetic resonance(2D DQ ¹H-¹H SS NMR) spectroscopy. The 2D DQ ¹H-¹H SS NMR spectrum ofthe amine functionalized ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 4 is displayed in FIG.11. This spectrum shows strong peaks on the 2:1 diagonal at 0.57 ppm onthe F2 axis (proton single quantum frequency) and at 1.14 ppm on the F1axis (proton double quantum frequency) that correspond to the silylaminemoiety. Additional peaks appear at 1.40 ppm on the F2 axis and at 2.80ppm on the F1 axis which correspond to tetra-coordinated aluminum amine.

The amine functionalized ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 4 was analyzed by²⁷Al-SS-NMR spectroscopy. The ²⁷Al-SS-NMR spectrum of the aminefunctionalized ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 4 is displayed in FIG. 12. Thespectrum shows a peak at 57.8 ppm corresponding to a tetrahedralaluminum site.

PXRD patterns were obtained for the mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite of Example2 and for the amine functionalized ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 4. The PXRDpatterns are displayed in FIG. 13. Line 830 refers to the PXRD patternof the amine functionalized ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 4 and Line 831refers to the PXRD pattern of the mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 2.The PXRD patterns for the mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 2 and forthe amine functionalized ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 4 are nearlyidentical. This confirms that the amine functionalized ZSM-5 zeolite ofExample 4 maintains the same crystalline structure as the mesoporousZSM-5 zeolite of Example 2 through the dehydroxylation and ammoniatreatments.

Example 5—Synthesis of a Zirconium Modified, Amine Functionalized ZSM-5Zeolite

The amine functionalized ZSM-5 of Example 4 was modified bytetraneopentyl zirconium by the presently described method. 0.250 g ofthe amine functionalized ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 4 (≈0.1125 mmol of≡Si—NH₂ group present) and 112 mg (0.3 mmol) of tetraneopentyl zirconiumin 10 mL of dry and degassed n-pentane were added to a Schlenk tube andwere stirred at room temperature for 6 hours. Afterwards, the resultingsolids were washed with 10 mL of dry and degassed n-pentane. Thiswashing step was repeated twice more, resulting in a total of threewashes using 10 mL of dry and degassed n-pentane each. The solids weredried under a dynamic vacuum of less than 10⁻⁵ Torr at 90° C. for 12hours to remove the n-pentane from the resulting solids. The resultingsolids were an amine functionalized zeolite modified with a zirconiumorganometallic compound, herein referred to as a zirconium modified,amine functionalized ZSM-5 zeolite.

The zirconium modified, amine functionalized ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 5was analyzed by FT-IR spectroscopy. The FT-IR spectra of the aminefunctionalized ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 4 and the zirconium modified,amine functionalized ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 5 are displayed in FIG.14. Line 840 corresponds to the FT-IR spectrum of the aminefunctionalized ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 4, and line 841 corresponds tothe FT-IR spectrum of the zirconium modified, amine functionalized ZSM-5zeolite of Example 5. The peaks for Si—NH₂ at 3526 cm⁻¹, 3456 cm⁻¹, and1555 cm⁻¹ decreased in the FT-IR spectrum of the zirconium modified,amine functionalized ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 5 relative to the samepeaks in the FT-IR spectrum of the amine functionalized ZSM-5 zeolite ofExample 4, while the peaks for (Al→NH₂—Si) at 3347 cm⁻¹, 3278 cm⁻¹, and1525 cm⁻¹ remained the same in both FT-IR spectra. Thus, the zirconiumorganometallic complex selectively reacts with the Si—NH₂ group. TheFT-IR spectrum of the zirconium modified, amine functionalized ZSM-5zeolite of Example 5 also shows peaks of neopentyl moieties at 2961 cm⁻¹[ν_(as)(CH₃)], 2862 cm⁻¹ [ν_(s)(CH₂)], 1469 cm⁻¹ [δ_(as)(CH₃)], and 1360cm⁻¹ [δ(CH₃)]. The inclusion of the peaks for the neopentyl moieties inthe FT-IR spectrum of the zirconium modified, amine functionalized ZSM-5zeolite of Example 5 shows that the amine functionalized ZSM-5 zeoliteof Example 4 was successfully modified by the tetraneopentyl zirconium.

Having described the subject matter of the present disclosure in detailand by reference to specific embodiments, it is noted that the variousdetails described in this disclosure should not be taken to imply thatthese details relate to elements that are essential components of thevarious embodiments described in this disclosure, even in cases where aparticular element is illustrated in each of the drawings that accompanythe present description. Rather, the claims appended hereto should betaken as the sole representation of the breadth of the presentdisclosure and the corresponding scope of the various embodimentsdescribed in this disclosure. Further, it will be apparent thatmodifications and variations are possible without departing from thescope of the appended claims.

For the purposes of describing and defining the present disclosure it isnoted that the term “about” is utilized in this disclosure to representthe inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to anyquantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation.The term “about” is also utilized in this disclosure to represent thedegree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a statedreference without resulting in a change in the basic function of thesubject matter at issue. Additionally, the term “consisting essentiallyof” is used in this disclosure to refer to quantitative values that donot materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of thedisclosure. For example, a chemical stream “consisting essentially” of aparticular chemical constituent or group of chemical constituents shouldbe understood to mean that the stream includes at least about 99.5% of athat particular chemical constituent or group of chemical constituents.

It should be understood that any two quantitative values assigned to aproperty may constitute a range of that property, and all combinationsof ranges formed from all stated quantitative values of a given propertyare contemplated in this disclosure.

In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a modified zeolite maycomprise a microporous framework comprising a plurality of microporeshaving diameters of less than or equal to 2 nm. The microporousframework may comprise at least silicon atoms and oxygen atoms. Themodified zeolite may further comprise organometallic moieties eachbonded to a nitrogen atom of a secondary amine functional groupincluding a nitrogen atom and a hydrogen atom. The organometallicmoieties may comprise a zirconium atom that is bonded to the nitrogenatom of the secondary amine functional group. The nitrogen atom of thesecondary amine function group may bridge the zirconium atom of theorganometallic moiety and a silicon atom of the microporous framework.

A second aspect of the present disclosure may include the first aspectwhere, the modified zeolite may further comprise a plurality ofmesopores having diameters of greater than 2 nm and less than or equalto 50 nm.

A third aspect of the present disclosure may include either of the firstor second aspects where the average pore size of the modified zeolitemay be greater than 2 nm.

A fourth aspect of the present disclosure may include any of the firstthrough third aspects where the mesoporous zeolite may compriseparticles of from 25 nm to 900 nm in size.

A fifth aspect of the present disclosure may include any of the firstthrough fourth aspects where the modified zeolite may be a ZSM-5zeolite.

A sixth aspect of the present disclosure may include any of the firstthrough fifth aspects where the microporous framework may furthercomprise aluminum atoms.

A seventh aspect of the present disclosure may include any of the firstthrough sixth aspects where the organometallic moieties may compriseZrR₁R₂R₃ and R₁ is chosen from any of an alkyl group, a hydride group, ahydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an allyl group, a cyclopentadienylgroup, an amino group, an amido group, an imido group, a nitrido group,a carbene group, a carbyne group, a halogen group, a benzyl group, aphenyl group, an acetyl group, or an oxide group; R₂ is chosen from anyof an alkyl group, a hydride group, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group,an allyl group, a cyclopentadienyl group, an amino group, an amidogroup, an imido group, a nitrido group, a carbene group, a carbynegroup, a halide group, a benzyl group, a phenyl group, an acetyl group,or an oxide group; and R₃ is chosen from any of an alkyl group, ahydride group, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an allyl group, acyclopentadienyl group, an amino group, an amido group, an imido group,a nitrido group, a carbene group, a carbyne group, a halide group, abenzyl group, a phenyl group, an acetyl group, or an oxide group.

An eighth aspect of the present disclosure may include any of the firstthrough seventh aspects where the organometallic moieties may compriseZrR₁R₂R₃ and R₁ is an alkyl group; R₂ is an alkyl group; and R₃ is analkyl group.

A ninth aspect of the present disclosure may include any of the firstthrough eighth aspects where the organometallic moieties may comprisetris(neopentyl)zirconium.

In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a modified zeolite may bemade by a method comprising reacting an organometallic chemical with anamine functionalized zeolite. The amine functionalized zeolite maycomprise a microporous framework comprising a plurality of microporeshaving diameters of less than or equal to 2 nm. The microporousframework may comprise at least silicon atoms and oxygen atoms. Theamine functionalized zeolite may comprise isolated terminal primaryamine functionalities bonded to silicon atoms of the microporousframework. The reacting of the organometallic chemical with the aminefunctionalized zeolite may form the modified zeolite comprisingorganometallic moieties each bonded to a nitrogen atom of the modifiedzeolite. The organometallic moieties may comprise a portion of theorganometallic chemical, and the organometallic chemical may comprisezirconium.

An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure may include the tenthaspect where the modified zeolite may comprise a plurality of mesoporeshaving diameters of greater than 2 nm and less than or equal to 50 nm.

A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure may include either of thetenth or eleventh aspects where the average pore size of the modifiedzeolite may be greater than 2 nm.

A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure may include any of thetenth through twelfth aspects where the method may further comprisecontacting a dehydroxylated zeolite with ammonia to from the aminefunctionalized zeolite. The dehydroxylated zeolite may comprise terminalisolated silanol functionalities comprising hydroxyl groups bonded tosilicon atoms of the microporous framework, and the contacting of thedehydroxylated zeolite with the ammonia may form the aminefunctionalized zeolite.

A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure may include the thirteenthaspect where the method may further comprise dehydroxylating an initialzeolite to from the dehydroxylated zeolite. The initial zeolite mayprimarily comprise vicinal silanol functionalities, and dehydroxylatingthe initial zeolite may form the terminal isolated silanolfunctionalities.

A fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure may include the fourteenthaspect where the dehydroxylation temperature may be 800° C. or less, andthe contacting of the dehydroxylated zeolite with ammonia may be at atemperature of less than 800° C.

A sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure may include any of thetenth through fifteenth aspects where the modified zeolite may be aZSM-5 zeolite.

A seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure may include any of thetenth through sixteenth aspects where the organometallic chemical maycomprise ZrR₁R₂R₃R₄, and R₁ is chosen from any of an alkyl group, ahydride group, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an allyl group, acyclopentadienyl group, an amino group, an amido group, an imido group,a nitrido group, a carbene group, a carbyne group, a halide group, abenzyl group, a phenyl group, an acetyl group, or an oxide group; R₂ ischosen from any of an alkyl group, a hydride group, a hydroxyl group, analkoxy group, an allyl group, a cyclopentadienyl group, an amino group,an amido group, an imido group, a nitrido group, a carbene group, acarbyne group, a halide group, a benzyl group, a phenyl group, an acetylgroup, or an oxide group; R₃ is chosen from any of an alkyl group, ahydride group, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an allyl group, acyclopentadienyl group, an amino group, an amido group, an imido group,a nitrido group, a carbene group, a carbyne group, a halide group, abenzyl group, a phenyl group, an acetyl group, or an oxide group; and R₄is chosen from any of an alkyl group, a hydride group, a hydroxyl group,an alkoxy group, an allyl group, a cyclopentadienyl group, an aminogroup, an amido group, an imido group, a nitrido group, a carbene group,a carbyne group, a halide group, a benzyl group, a phenyl group, anacetyl group, or an oxide group.

An eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure may include any of thetenth through seventeenth aspects where the organometallic chemical maycomprise ZrR₁R₂R₃R₄, and R₁ is an alkyl group; R₂ is an alkyl group; R₃is an alkyl group; and R₄ is an alkyl group.

A nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure may include any of thetenth through eighteenth aspects where the organometallic chemical maycomprise tetrakis(neopentyl)zirconium.

A twentieth aspect of the present disclosure may include any of thetenth through nineteenth aspects where the organometallic moieties ofthe modified zeolite may comprise zirconium.

A twenty first aspect of the present disclosure may include any of thetenth through the twentieth aspects where the microporous framework mayfurther comprise aluminum atoms.

1. A modified zeolite comprising: a microporous framework comprising aplurality of micropores having diameters of less than or equal to 2 nm,wherein the microporous framework comprises at least silicon atoms andoxygen atoms; and organometallic moieties each bonded to a nitrogen atomof a secondary amine functional group comprising a nitrogen atom and ahydrogen atom, wherein the organometallic moieties comprise a zirconiumatom that is bonded to the nitrogen atom of the secondary aminefunctional group, and wherein the nitrogen atom of the secondary aminefunction group bridges the zirconium atom of the organometallic moietyand a silicon atom of the microporous framework.
 2. The modified zeoliteof claim 1, further comprising a plurality of mesopores having diametersof greater than 2 nm and less than or equal to 50 nm.
 3. The modifiedzeolite of claim 1, wherein the average pore size of the modifiedzeolite is greater than 2 nm.
 4. The modified zeolite of claim 1,wherein the mesoporous zeolite comprises particles of from 25 nm to 900nm in size.
 5. The modified zeolite of claim 1, wherein the modifiedzeolite is a ZSM-5 zeolite.
 6. The modified zeolite of claim 1, whereinthe microporous framework further comprises aluminum atoms.
 7. Themodified zeolite of claim 1, wherein the organometallic moietiescomprise ZrR₁R₂R₃, wherein: R₁ is chosen from any of an alkyl group, ahydride group, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an allyl group, acyclopentadienyl group, an amino group, an amido group, an imido group,a nitrido group, a carbene group, a carbyne group, a halogen group, abenzyl group, a phenyl group, an acetyl group, or an oxide group; R₂ ischosen from any of an alkyl group, a hydride group, a hydroxyl group, analkoxy group, an allyl group, a cyclopentadienyl group, an amino group,an amido group, an imido group, a nitrido group, a carbene group, acarbyne group, a halide group, a benzyl group, a phenyl group, an acetylgroup, or an oxide group; and R₃ is chosen from any of an alkyl group, ahydride group, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an allyl group, acyclopentadienyl group, an amino group, an amido group, an imido group,a nitrido group, a carbene group, a carbyne group, a halide group, abenzyl group, a phenyl group, an acetyl group, or an oxide group.
 8. Themodified zeolite of claim 1, wherein the organometallic moietiescomprise ZrR₁R₂R₃, wherein: R₁ is an alkyl group; R₂ is an alkyl group;and R₃ is an alkyl group.
 9. The modified zeolite of claim 1, whereinthe organometallic moieties comprise tris(neopentyl)zirconium.
 10. Amethod for making a modified zeolite, the method comprising: reacting anorganometallic chemical with an amine functionalized zeolite, whereinthe amine functionalized zeolite comprises a microporous frameworkcomprising a plurality of micropores having diameters of less than orequal to 2 nm, wherein the microporous framework comprises at leastsilicon atoms and oxygen atoms, and wherein the amine functionalizedzeolite comprises isolated terminal primary amine functionalities bondedto silicon atoms of the microporous framework; wherein the reacting ofthe organometallic chemical with the amine functionalized zeolite formsthe modified zeolite comprising organometallic moieties each bonded to anitrogen atom of the modified zeolite, wherein the organometallicmoieties comprises a portion of the organometallic chemical; wherein theorganometallic chemical comprises zirconium.
 11. The method of claim 10,wherein the modified zeolite comprises a plurality of mesopores havingdiameters of greater than 2 nm and less than or equal to 50 nm.
 12. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the average pore size of the modifiedzeolite is greater than 2 nm.
 13. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising contacting a dehydroxylated zeolite with ammonia to form theamine functionalized zeolite, wherein the dehydroxylated zeolitecomprises terminal isolated silanol functionalities comprising hydroxylgroups bonded to silicon atoms of the microporous framework, and whereinthe contacting of the dehydroxylated zeolite with the ammonia forms theamine functionalized zeolite.
 14. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising dehydroxylating an initial zeolite to form the dehydroxylatedzeolite, wherein the initial zeolite primarily comprises vicinal silanolfunctionalities, and wherein dehydroxylating the initial zeolite formsthe terminal isolated silanol functionalities.
 15. The method of claim14, wherein the dehydroxylation temperature is 800° C. or less, andwherein the contacting of the dehydroxylated zeolite with ammonia is ata temperature of less than 800° C.
 16. The method of claim 10, whereinthe modified zeolite is a ZSM-5 zeolite.
 17. The method of claim 10,wherein the organometallic chemical comprises ZrR₁R₂R₃R₄, wherein: R₁ ischosen from any of an alkyl group, a hydride group, a hydroxyl group, analkoxy group, an allyl group, a cyclopentadienyl group, an amino group,an amido group, an imido group, a nitrido group, a carbene group, acarbyne group, a halide group, a benzyl group, a phenyl group, an acetylgroup, or an oxide group; R₂ is chosen from any of an alkyl group, ahydride group, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an allyl group, acyclopentadienyl group, an amino group, an amido group, an imido group,a nitrido group, a carbene group, a carbyne group, a halide group, abenzyl group, a phenyl group, an acetyl group, or an oxide group; R₃ ischosen from any of an alkyl group, a hydride group, a hydroxyl group, analkoxy group, an allyl group, a cyclopentadienyl group, an amino group,an amido group, an imido group, a nitrido group, a carbene group, acarbyne group, a halide group, a benzyl group, a phenyl group, an acetylgroup, or an oxide group; and R₄ is chosen from any of an alkyl group, ahydride group, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an allyl group, acyclopentadienyl group, an amino group, an amido group, an imido group,a nitrido group, a carbene group, a carbyne group, a halide group, abenzyl group, a phenyl group, an acetyl group, or an oxide group. 18.The method of claim 10, wherein the organometallic chemical comprisesZrR₁R₂R₃R₄, wherein: R₁ is an alkyl group; R₂ is an alkyl group; R₃ isan alkyl group; and R₄ is an alkyl group.
 19. The method of claim 10,wherein one or more of: the organometallic chemical comprisestetrakis(neopentyl)zirconium; and the organometallic moieties of themodified zeolite comprise zirconium.
 20. The method of claim 10, whereinthe microporous framework further comprises aluminum atoms.